Where I Stand — Brian Greenspun: Going strong at 50

Friday, June 30, 2000 | 9:36 a.m.

Brian Greenspun is editor of the Las Vegas Sun.

SO, WHAT'S IT LIKE to be 50 years old?

I used to think that was one of the ruder questions one person could ask another. Growing up in a household that didn't know my mother's age until we were practically adults ourselves, we got used to answering "none of your business" when asked such a question. As far as my mother was concerned, it was a hanging offense to divulge what we knew about her vital statistic. Now she doesn't care. I am free to admit that she is over 60 and looking darn good about it!

But someone else in our family has now reached the half-century mark and it is a cause, not for secrecy, but for celebration. The Las Vegas Sun is 50 years old, and we are proud to tell everyone. I remember many years ago when a prominent news magazine reported that the Sun was the only newspaper started in the second half of the 20th century against entrenched competition that had survived. It was a statement that made very clear the state of most American cities and their dependence on only one editorial voice. How could it survive?

And how could Las Vegas, which was even then growing by leaps and bounds, grow properly having only one side -- and a very misguided and backward view at that -- to lead the way? It became clear early on that this community was far better served having the Las Vegas Sun around to keep the other paper and the politicians honest in their efforts on behalf of the public.

Over the past 50 years the Review-Journal has become a better newspaper as a result of the competition from the Sun. Unless, of course, you talk about the editorial positions it takes, and in that regard it is still mired deep in the 19th century with little reason to suspect any forward thinking. That's why, 50 years later, the Las Vegas Sun is still an important and vital asset to this community. And that is why we are here, when so many other "second" newspapers have vanished. The other paper is good, but we are so much better.

In this Sunday's newspaper, there is a special 50th anniversary section that recounts the incredible history of the Sun and its founder, Hank Greenspun. At the same time, it looks toward a bright and promising future in which the lessons taught by my father are incorporated in a communications company poised to help lead this city and this state toward a brighter future, in much the same way Hank Greenspun's newspaper led a shunned and sleepy little gambling town away from darker ages and into a world in which Las Vegas has become a model for others to follow.

My family -- which includes the hundreds of people with whom we toil each and every day -- is proud that the Sun has turned 50. But, like the community we serve, we know the best is yet to come. Together we will make it a future bright with promise for our children and theirs. Together, we will stay informed about that which is good -- and bad -- so that we can make the proper choices when needed. Together, we will make of Las Vegas a city that will continue to be the envy of the rest of the country.

That's our goal for the next half century. Read about us this Sunday and you'll know why we are going to be successful.

Then join us for the next 50 years!

Speaking of the next 50 years.

The Supreme Court's ruling on the partial-birth abortion laws has created a make-or-break scenario for this year's presidential election. The high court's decision came on the slimmest of margins, 5-4. That means that if one justice changes his or her mind or, more likely, if a new justice is appointed for life who has a differing view, then the 5-4 switches the other way. And, therein lies the crux of this year's presidential election.

It isn't about late-term abortions at that point. It is about Roe vs. Wade and a woman's right to choose for herself, without government interference, how she will deal with her own circumstances. Those are the stakes because it is more than likely the next president will appoint at least one and, probably, three new justices. Depending upon which way it goes it will either cement Roe vs. Wade for a couple more decades or criminalize abortions for this and the next generation.

I know that is just one issue in what will be a spirited campaign, but to many people, men and women, it is a critical one because it defines the limits of government's ability to reach into our private lives. Here's a hint: Our individual rights and liberties should trump our tax rates every time. If they don't, we have gone far astray from the country our Founding Fathers envisioned.

Think about how far into your house the government should go. If you think it has to be stopped at the bedroom door, your choice is clear. Come November, there will be millions of Americans who want to change the 5-4 vote their way. If you agree, stay home or vote with them. If you like having choices in this life, you'd better make your voice heard.

Ask those who want your vote where they stand. And make them answer straight.